Domenico Guidi

Born in Carrara, Guidi followed his uncle, Giuliano Finelli, a prominent sculptor noted for his feud with Bernini, to Naples.

When he fled Naples in 1647 during Masaniello's revolt, in Rome he joined the studio of Bernini's main competitor Alessandro Algardi with whom he remained until his master's death.

His works include the Monument to Natale Rondinini in Santa Maria del Popolo (1657) and the relief over the altar of Capella di Monte di Pieta showing a Lamentation over the dead body of Christ (1667–76).

A great supporter of the French Academy in Rome, Guidi had the honour to produce a marble group flattering Louis XIV entitled La Renommée écrivant l'histoire du Roi which was sent to Versailles and placed in the park of the château.

Guidi has Algardi's competence in carving and his figures show the classical emotional detachment, but the designs are uninspired when compared to his Master.